Matthew 14:36Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Nor do they now as before drag Him to their houses, and seek the touch of His hand, but they draw Him by their greater faith, for they brought unto him all them that were sick, and besought him that they might touch but the hem of his garment. For the woman who suffered under the issue of blood had taught them all this wisdom, namely, that by touching the hem only of Christ’s garment they might be saved; therefore it follows, And as many as touched, were made whole.

exhibited deep faith, desiring to touch the fringe of His robe, leading to healing for all who reached out. Likewise, let us grasp the hem of Christ's robe, representing the conclusion of His earthly existence. For if you have faith that Christ has ascended, you shall find salvation; His flesh serves as a garment, and its fringe symbolizes the end of His time among us.

If we knew what the word Gennezareth would convey in our tongue, we might understand how under the type of the Apostles and the boat, Jesus guides to shore the Church when He has delivered it from the wreck of persecution, and makes it to rest in a most tranquil harbour.

Observe how limited the progress of the disciples was and take note of the crowd: they were no longer urging Jesus Christ to enter their homes, no longer requesting Him to place His hands on anyone, nor were they insisting that He simply speak a word. Instead, they approached in a more reverent and spiritual manner, seeking healing for themselves. The woman who had suffered from bleeding undoubtedly stirred in them a profound faith.

Otherwise; When the times of the Law were ended, and five thousand out of Israel were entered within the Church, it was then that the people of believers met Him, then those that were saved out of the Law by faith set before the Lord the rest of their sick and weak; and they that were thus brought sought to touch the hem of His garment, because through their faith they would be healed. And as the virtue of the hem proceeded from the whole garment, so the virtue of the grace of the Holy Spirit went forth from our Lord Jesus Christ, and imparted to the Apostles, who proceeded as it were from the same body, administers salvation to such as desire to touch.

Genezar is interpreted, ‘rise’, ‘beginning.’ For then will complete rest be given to us, when Christ shall have restored to us our inheritance of Paradise, and the joy of our first robe.

The Evangelist had related above that the Lord had Commanded His disciples to enter the boat, and to go before Him across the strait; he now proceeds with the same intention to relate whither they arrived by their passage, And when they were gone over, they came into the land of Gennezareth.

St. Chrysostom observes that they no longer invite Him into their homes or request His healing touch or command from His words; rather, they seek restoration with unwavering faith, as the woman suffering from bleeding has imparted wisdom to all. Let us, too, reach for the edge of Christ's garment, or better yet, for Christ Himself, for we are now presented not just with the garment but with His very body in the Holy Communion. Thus, let us approach with faith, especially those of us who are weak. If the miraculous power draws those who touch the border of His garment, how much more will those who receive the entire Christ into themselves be captivated by it? Therefore, when you see the priest offering the Gifts, envision it not as the priest acting, but as Christ extending His hand to you.

Upon Christ's arrival at the shores of Gennesaret by the Sea of Galilee, news of His return quickly circulated throughout the area. The residents of nearby villages and small towns began to carry the sick on their beds to Him, placing them in open spaces and pleading for Him to touch at least the edge of His garment; those who made contact with Him were restored to health. Nevertheless, Jesus chose to make His way to Capernaum, where He soon reached His destination.

Upon arriving at the shore, Jesus Christ and his disciples were recognized by the local people, who swiftly spread the news throughout the area. They began bringing the sick on their beds to the location where Jesus was reported to be. When the multitude gathered, their faith was so fervent that they requested only to touch the fringe of his robe, and all who reached out were made whole. Our compassionate Lord consistently provided abundant assistance to the afflicted: wherever He traveled, whether in villages, towns, or cities, the sick were placed in open areas, imploring Him to allow them to touch even the fringe of His garment, and every individual who touched Him received healing. On the same day, the Lord returned to Capernaum, which was His ordinary residence.